The Idea Incubator Program presents an opportunity for creative minds at parish elementary schools to participate in a Connelly Think Tank with the goal to develop the best ideas into pilot programs. 

Approximately 30 applications are received each year and on average, five schools receive invitations to meet with Foundation staff to further explore their idea.  All invitees receive a $1,000 discretionary grant. 

2007-2008 Guidelines for Idea Incubator
Applications are due April 28, 2008. 

WHO?

• All teachers and administrators at parish elementary schools are invited to participate in a Connelly Think Tank and submit ideas by April 28, 2008.

WHAT KIND OF IDEAS?

• Ideas that have been incubating at schools, within grade levels or departments that:
  • Offer innovation
  • Create efficiency
  • Improve effectiveness
  • Solve a problem
  • Address activities
  • Enhance academics

Please kindly refrain from submitting creative lesson plans as the circulation of such ideas is best left to school websites, curriculum committees or a peer to peer network.

HOW TO APPLY?  

• Complete the Idea Incubator Application Page and the top section of the Idea Incubator Verification Page of the Idea Incubator Form Set.
• Present both pages to the school Principal to complete the verification page.
• Mail or email the form set to Anne Murry Hileman at Connelly Foundation. Forms returned via email by the Principal will be accepted with a typed signature. 

Prior Examples from elementary schools:

• School Family Liturgies at Sunday Mass: In conjunction with their efforts to improve Catholic Identity at St. Bernard School in Philadelphia, this creative Liturgy program was developed.  Every other week, one class participates in the Mass by doing all readings, lectoring, assisting with collections and serving as greeters.  At Communion meditation, the class performs an appropriate prayer reflection.  School church population improved an amazing 60% the year this program was implemented. 
• Classroom Performance System (CPS): A revolutionary tool was suggested by a 6th Grade Teacher at St. Andrew School in Newtown, which embodies the future of classroom technology by way of a wireless response system that communicates between a handheld response pad for the students and a receiver unit for the teacher. This system combines interaction, assessment and even a little entertainment to spawn creativity for any class that utilizes it.  St. Andrew is piloting this in the 4th grade with Science and Social Studies.
• After School Foreign Language Program: Offering an elective class period at the end of the school day to teach a foreign language was suggested by St. Monica School in Philadelphia. In response to family surveys, St. Monica is piloting an Italian language class in its after-school program with the 5th - 8th grade students and a few faculty members. A modest fee is charged.